PWMac's 2008 Yukon XL Denali build

[PWMac]

Installed the Hopkins 47297 INSIGHT Brake Controller tonight. I went with this unit because I like the display and the thought the controller would be easier to reach than the models that mount by your knee.
It was fairly straightforward after reading a couple threads and watching a couple videos. The 2 wires in the engine were easy to find and connect. The 4 wires under the dash were also easy to find and connect to. The hardest part was getting the controller and display to stick to the dash because the double sided tape provided didn't want to stick. Here are a couple helpful links I found and some pics.

Wiring
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-tb-0007-2007-2009-GM-Full-Size-Truck-Brake-Control.aspx

Install

Setup

 

[PWMac]

Bilstein 5100 1000 miles later

Overall I'm happy with the shocks and the more truck like feel they provide. Last weekend I did notice a really annoying squeaking when I had the windows rolled down. Found a post on a silverado forum where others were experiencing a similar issue and described the noise as sounding like a fat woman's wheelchair. My issue was the same as theirs and ended up the top strut mount nut backed off and was rubbing. I torqued it back down and the squeak is all gone. Going to have to keep an eye on them.

 

[PWMac]

Installed the Surco S5084 roof rack with the ER100 mounts.

 

[PWMac]

Installed Air lift 1000 helper bags. I went with model 60912 which are 4"x11" instead of the stock 60769, 5"x10", because the rear is a little taller than stock after changing springs and shocks. I wish they would make a 4.5"x11" because I think that would fill the gaps between the springs better but I read something about going down in width if deciding between 2.

Tips I found helpful
1. Jack up frame to extend springs all the way
2. Use a hair dryer to heat up the bags so you can fold and zip tie into a taco
3. Attach the air line before putting the bag into the spring
4. Use a pliers to squeeze clips open

 

[PWMac]

Added a Ruien baffled oil catch can to the 6.2L. It was $35 on amazon but didn't have enough 3/8" i.d. hose so I picked up 6' and it was just about right.

Here's the stock tube that was replaced.


The "in" of the catch can was connected to the PCV on the back of the driver side valve cover.



The "out" of the catch can was connected to the top of the intake.


Attached it to a bolt right below the alternator. Going to have to loosen bolt and tilt a little to empty because it's close to the power steering cap.

 

[PWMac]

Big 3 Upgrade

added 1/0 from battery+ to alternator with 300amp fuse
added 1/0 from battery- to body
replaced 1/0 battery- to engine block

 

[PWMac]

Updates from the past couple months.

Shift cable broke and replaced with GM 25995564.

AC was blowing intermittently and replaced blower motor GM 2311681 and the blower control module 15-81638.

OBD Code P0420 was being thrown. After clearing it would reappear a week or so later.
Installed magnaflow catalytic converters 49631, cat back exhaust kit 16720 and new oxygen sensors. I'm happy with the sound and how the truck is running with the magnaflows. Can't really tell a difference in the audio files on youtube but even my wife commented on how she liked the sound and she doesn't usually notice those things.

Stock

Magnaflow

 

[Fosscore]

Big 3 Upgrade

added 1/0 from battery+ to alternator with 300amp fuse
added 1/0 from battery- to body
replaced 1/0 battery- to engine block

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Exhaust sounds good. Nice write up and schematic for the Big 3 upgrade. Helpful to visualize.